It appears that the findings of the report are substantially the
same as what I reported in a
Kitsap Sun story on May 6. If you haven’t read the story, I
think you will find all the comments interesting.

The next step will be for NOAA officials to issue
recommendations from the report. In light of the findings and the
uncertainty about the effects of reduced fishing, it seems likely
that more studies will be proposed rather than an immediate
adjustment to harvest.

I’ll continue to follow this story through the public review
process, which is planned for early next year. Updates and related
documents can be found on
NOAA’s website.

The management plan for Puget Sound chinook fisheries will
remain in effect through next year, after which time it will need
to be updated in consultation between state and federal agencies.
Chinook are a “threatened” species under the Endangered Species
Act. See
NOAA’s webpage, “Puget Sound Chinook Resource Management
Plan.”